Blessed Sacrament ran up more championships than Garfield in the decade between mid-50s and mid-60s (the won 9 out of 13 Nationals they entered). Garfield's national championships were all American Legion titles and a lot of times didn't have much competition as the contests were held in September and the other corps didn't travel. Until the Royal Airs came along the Cavaliers main rival was Blessed Sacrament (although they'd occasionally have problems locally with Belleville and Madison).

I'd say that pre-DCI the corps that won the VFW championship was comparable to today's DCI champion because all the top corps participated. The Cavaliers and Blessed Sacrament were in that category and both won Legion as well as VFW titles (they both tied for the legion title in 1959). Of the corps still around from that era, I'd give the edge to the Cavaliers.

John's analysis is good; but the Cavaliers had plenty of competition from Norwood Park (at least until the mid 1960s), Madison, Belleville and the Kilts. Not the 'cakewalk' he pictured.

well, my SCORES were pretty close but there were some changes in placings:

1. Phantom overtook Cadets
2. Boston beat Cavaliers
3. Blue Stars failed to make finals.

As most predicted, Blue Devils went undefeated to win again. Either these corps stayed the same for most of the summer, or there was some 'slotting' going on.

Looks like the Cavalier's lipstick had only marginal impact on their pig.

From what many have said, it was a mediocre year in general for drum corps. It will be interesting to see what Crown does to finally get over the top; what Cavaliers do to rebound from their low placing; and if Santa Clara can get out of being stuck in the middle. I just wish something would happen to shake things up!

What did you do in the Corps? Snare; Drum Major; Drum Instructor/Arranger

What years were you a Corps member? 1970-73; 78-79

Bob, maybe they should go back to being drum corps again.

But the Cavaliers always won in the midwest--except when then had Wisconsin judges or went to the Illinois state fair.

Yeah, the State Fair wasn't exactly known for great judging, was it? I think that was the judging equivalent of playing in a New Year's Eve band - you had to do it to keep your union card current! But it was always fun performing on the race track. And you can't beat corn dogs and lemon shake-ups!

What did you do in the Corps? Snare; Drum Major; Drum Instructor/Arranger

What years were you a Corps member? 1970-73; 78-79